THE abandoned passenger ferry MV Westerland has been removed from Mosquito Island in Lami Bay, marking the third successful removal in Fiji’s ongoing effort to clear Suva Harbour of derelict vessels.
The removal follows the successful recovery of the fishing vessels Zhong Da 2 and Sunshine 86 in August and comes as Fiji hosts pre-COP31, giving the Government an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to ocean protection.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the clean up demonstrated Fiji’s commitment to turning its ocean protection commitments into action.
“A cleaner Suva Harbour shows the world that Fiji’s ocean leadership is more than words,” Mr Rabuka said.
“We made commitments to protect our ocean, and we are delivering on them, starting right here in our capital.”
For years, the MV Westerland had remained abandoned on Mosquito Island, with wreckage covering parts of the island’s once clean, sandy shoreline.
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the removal was an important step towards restoring Suva Harbour.
“The removal of MV Westerland represents another important milestone in our efforts to restore and protect Suva Harbour,” Ro Filipe said.
“Derelict vessels pose significant risks to navigation safety, the marine environment and the wellbeing of our coastal communities.”
Fiji Ports Corporation led the operation, with contractor Cruz Holdings carrying out the removal and scuttling of the vessel.
The vessel was cleaned of oil and debris, sealed and inspected before being towed and scuttled offshore after meeting Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji requirements.
The Government said further derelict vessels would be removed under the ongoing clean-up program.
